After plenty of hype and rehearsal, seven Mackay identities showed off their moves at Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Dancing with Heart last Friday, and they didn’t hold back.

With funds still being tallied, at least $50,000 was raised for the Mackay Hospital Foundation throughout the event.

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Michelle Cross

Alex Finlayson

Bing Guo

Tegan Jones

Renae Kunst

Paul Manttan

Kay Nyenuh

Kathy Sullivan.

Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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After a successful inaugural event last year, Shed Happens Mackay are once again celebrating International Men’s Day (IMD) with its annual Art Show.

Partnering with the Mackay Art Society, Shed Happens are expanding IMD 2023 celebrations this year by opening the Art Show to more youth with two groups in the Emergent Artist categories.

The theme for IMD 2023 is the third pillar of IMD, ‘Health and Well Being of all Generations of Men’, and this will be the theme for artists to address in their works.

“We want to get the youth involved and we want to get the youth thinking about their health and wellbeing and their health and wellbeing when they become adults,” Shed Happens Mackay Convenor Frank Cowell said.

“Our responsibility is to raise our families and our children with good, healthy ideas.”

Entries opened on April 1 and can be accessed through Art Suppliers, Mackay Regional Council outlets and online at the SHED Happens Mackay Facebook Page.  

An Entry Fee of $10 is applied to every piece of art and artists are limited to two artworks per person.

There are four sections - Best In Show, Art on Canvas, Art on Paper and Emergent Artist (9 -19 years of age) - each with prize money for the winners and 2nd and 3rd prizes in three of the sections.  

Entries will close on August 10 before the artworks are displayed at the Mackay Art Society Rooms in Beaconsfield from Friday September 1 to Sunday September 3.

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L-R Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood, Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May, Shed Happens Convenor Frank Cowell, Mackay Art Society’s Ben Ranson and Councillor Laurence Bonaventura at the 2022 IMD Art Show. Photo supplied

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Saturday 8 April

Shannan Fitzgerald Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday, 8:30pm to 11:30pm

Dance the night away with live music from 8.30pm - 11.30pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Mega Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, sessions run every half hour from 10am (final session starts at 1pm)

Join Caneland Central’s egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt and hop into the fun with your family and friends! Head to the Easter Village located in Centre Court at the start of your session to collect your map and start the hunt! Follow the map and write down the number displayed on the store windows. Once you’ve completed the hunt return to the Easter Village to collect your goodie bag! Bookings required.

Easter Village in Centre Court, Caneland Central

Sunday 9 April

Family Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, 11:30am

Wake House Australia's annual Family Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt takes place around Lake Poco (aka the wake park lake) in Andergrove Lakes. You will need to check in first at the Lakeside Cafe @ Wake House between 11am - 11.30am. All ticket sales go directly to local charity All Abilities Inc - Summer House Mackay. The WakeHouse crew are super excited for this one. Lots of chocolate bunnies for all the participants. Visit the Facebook event for more information.

Wake House Australia

Easter Sunday

Sunday, 12:00pm

Join in for an egg-citing Easter Sunday at Seabreeze Hotel! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun-filled day from 12pm onwards. They’ve got lots of activities lined up for the kids, including face painting and Easter goodies. And that's not all! Live music by Mick Woodbridge will have you dancing and singing along from 2pm onwards. The winners of the colouring in competition will be declared, so be sure to submit your entry to be in the running for some awesome prizes. Don't miss out on this egg-cellent opportunity to celebrate Easter with your loved ones.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sounds On Sunday Ft. The Feels

Sunday, 4:00pm to 8:00pm

Sounds On Sunday is back Easter Sunday featuring the Feels live on the deck from 4pm to 8pm. Waterslide, jumping castle and face painting plus outdoor bar, street food and courtesy bus available.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Monday 10 April

The Magic Two Live Shows

Monday, April 10 to Sunday, April 16, 10:30am and 1:00pm daily

You’re sure to have a magical time these school holidays. Head to Centre Court between the 10th to the 16th April to enjoy a free 45-minute magic show. Witness the magical dancing, funny guys as they wow you with their dazzling tricks and amazing dance moves. The shows are on twice daily at 10:30am and 1pm, so don’t miss out. No bookings Required.

Centre Court, Caneland Central

Tuesday 11 April

Superpowered on Tour - April School Holiday Program

Tuesday, April 11 to Sunday, April 16

Superpowered on Tour is coming to Artspace Mackay during the April school holidays bringing creative activities for children, families and people of all ages and abilities. Created by the Children’s Art Centre in collaboration with four Australian artists – Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara people), Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples), Gordon Hookey (Waanyi people) and Vincent Namatjira (Western Aranda people) – who use their voices and their art to empower Aboriginal people and create inspirational imagery for all children. The free and fun activities will focus on strong empowering messages and humour.

Artspace Mackay

Wednesday 12 April

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

School Holiday Drop In Activity - Rock Painting

Wednesday, 9:30am to 11:00am

Join in on the Tropical Sun Lawn to create painted rocks of art and get some handy tips for rock hunting in the Botanic Gardens. This is a FREE drop in activity, suitable for ages 5 and up. Parental supervision is required at all times. Short waiting periods may be required during busy periods.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Better Together Housing Get Together

Wednesday, 10:00am to 11:30am

Whether you are renting, or you own your own home, Better Together Housing is about exploring shared housing in a safe way, at your own pace and without expectations. Not sure sharing is for you? That's ok! Better Together Housing is just as much about connecting women as it is about housing options. Get together over a cuppa for a chat and to connect with other women.

Dudley Denny Library, Victoria Street

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal & learn from each other. They can be seen, heard & understood with no judgement. It's a space to honour the uniqueness of each individual, everyone is equal. They will be able to speak from their hearts about things that trouble, annoy, frustrate them. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Soul Jam Wednesdays at The Kooyong Hotel

Every Wednesday, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Soul Jam is back at The Kooyong Hotel, hosting another friendly space to share your originals, jam with others and experiment with music. Supplied are a drummer and guitarist, bass also available. All artists welcome including slam poetry and comedians.

The Kooyong Hotel

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four-step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 13 April

Chair Yoga in North Mackay

Every Thursday, 2:00pm

Using a chair for support (either sitting or standing) Chair Yoga is a practice of gentle movement, combined with mindful breathing & meditation. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to focus on a gentle, nurturing practice. Chair Yoga can improve your balance, flexibility, concentration & strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Bookings are essential. Call or text your full name to 0434 940 300 or message the Wellness With Deb Facebook page.

Palmview Village Community Centre, via Oasis Drive / Bradford St.

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

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Off the back of their record-breaking triple j Hottest 100 appearance, seeing three tracks in the top six of the countdown, beloved outfit Spacey Jane has announced a regional Australia tour bringing the iconic indie rockers to Mackay in June.

The band’s drummer and manager Kieran Lama had a chat with our journalist Sam to talk about their meteoric rise to stardom and the sound that got them there.

When I was living in Brisbane, I remember a friend inviting me to see this band Spacey Jane playing at the zoo. Suddenly, I think you played three sold-out shows at the zoo and now you’re one of the biggest bands in the country. Did that rise in popularity feel as rapid from the inside as it did from the outside?

Definitely. It felt like it came out of nowhere for us, as well. After Sunlight came out and within the context of the pandemic, it just hit us without us really getting a chance to catch up to it, which is honestly the best thing that could’ve happened. It was really great to feel like things were moving so quickly and only now have we really had the opportunity to catch our breath and look back with a fair amount of gratitude more than anything, other than being a little bit of a headscratcher as to what on earth happened. It’s been super special, and I think all of our lives got turned upside down pretty quickly.

You use the term headscratcher but, if you had to guess, what do you feel are the reasons for the sudden explosion?

I have a lot of confidence in the songs themselves and I can say that because I don’t write them, I just play the drums, so I think Caleb (singer/guitarist/songwriter) tapped into something really special. Especially in 2020 when times were tough for a lot of people in terms of becoming a very introspective circumstance. I think his writing, the lyrics and also maybe the way we present and the way we are as people and as a band identity-wise, I think it was something that people could really connect with. I think guitar music will always be a staple in Australia and we’re just happy to bear that torch, even if just for a little bit. We could also just be a very lucky group of people who were doing the right thing at the right time, who knows?

Within that Australian guitar music scene, you’ve crafted a pretty distinctive sound and you can hear bands replicating it all over the country, who were your influences in crafting that sound?

We started just bashing instruments in a shed listening to stuff like early Kings of Leon, the Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, that kind of thing. We didn’t so much idolise the rock and roll lifestyle but the sound of that era, the early 2000s indie rock reformation, I suppose. Songwriter-wise, Caleb, and we all do, love Wilco, Coldplay, that kind of stuff. I think part of the sound that we have is the product of the circumstances in which we were making music. We were just playing in a shed together all the time. We didn’t know the first thing about equipment or gear so we just played for the fun of it on the weekends. As we got more and more into it, found a bit of a groove in the studio and get an understanding of how to make things the way we wanted to make them, I guess it just developed from there. It’s interesting because it’s never felt like we wanted to sound a certain way, I guess it’s just the natural conclusion of the four of us in a room together with access to recording equipment and cool shit in a studio.

How important is it to you and the band to tour regional areas like Mackay?

It’s super great that we can actually do it. We want to take advantage of that opportunity and make sure that we’re going to places. A lot of us grew up in regional WA so if we had the opportunity to see artists we loved back then, it would’ve meant the world to us. There’s definitely more in the works in terms of creative ways to tour Australia because there is so much of this country that we haven’t seen and would love to see. The fact that being in a band facilitates that to some level is pretty astounding.

I can say from what I’m hearing around the place that Mackay is very excited, what can we expect from your show in June?

I reckon a fair bit of sweat on the stage. We tend to give a lot of energy in the live shows. I mean, I’m sitting down so it’s chill for me, but the others are jumping around and going crazy, Ashton in particular gets a lot of hang time. It’s going to be fun. I think we are very much a live band, first and foremost. We played a lot of gigs around Perth before we ever got the opportunity to leave for the eastern states so it’s something we take a lot of pride in and we really want to put our best foot forward, especially for places that we’re playing for the first time. We’ve got something to prove and I hope we can do that.

WHAT: Spacey Jane

WHERE: Harrup Park

WHEN: Thursday, June 1

TICKETS: Oztix

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Kucom Theatre has announced the cast of its July production, Perfect Wedding, a comedy by Robin Hawdon directed by Kathryn Evans.

Lani Seaton and Zachary Trounson will fill the leading roles as bride and groom alongside Michael Brennan, Asta Ryan, Carolyn Roche and Kristyn Everett.

A Mackay Festival of Arts Fringe event, Perfect Wedding opens on Thursday, July 6 with early bird tickets available from Humanitix from Monday, April 24.

Meanwhile, the Theatre’s AGM was held last month, seeing the 2023 Management Committee officially named.

Bronwyn Grannall will fill the role of President, Maureen Coleman Vice President, Carolyn Roche Secretary and Tessa King Treasurer.

Congratulations were also given to Maureen Coleman, Ken Sanders, John Irvine and Bronwyn Grannall who were elected Life Members of the Theatre at the AGM.

In her report as Convener of Kucom’s Fundraising and Grants Subcommittee, Vice President Maureen Coleman made an announcement that will be welcome news to regular patrons.

“It is ... with great pleasure that I have been asked by the committee to inform you all that we have put in the order for the seating and the deposit has been paid,” she said.

“We hope to see installation after the production of Perfect Wedding in July.”

The installation of a retractable seating system will come ahead of a busy 2023 season, with Victor Scott directing Things I Know To Be True by acclaimed Australian playwright Andrew Bovell in October.

Victor is well known to Mackay audiences as the director of Ruthless and First Date for Mackay Musical Comedy Players, and more specifically to Kucom audiences for his ground-breaking 2021 production of When the Rain Stops Falling, also by Andrew Bovell.

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Front L-R: Bronwyn Grannall (President), Mayor Greg Williamson (Patron), Carolyn Roche (Secretary). Back L -R: Joe Clutterbuck, James Hunter, Tessa King (Treasurer), Jayne Royal. Inset: Maureen Coleman (Vice President). Photo supplied

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Mackay Choral Society is proud to present The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera is packed full of sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes.

Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, falls head-over-heels in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley.

Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a snag.

Born on 29 February, Frederic discovers that he is technically still a youngster.

Although very much in love, his dedication to duty is unshakeable.

Can he find a way to live happily-ever-after with Mabel?

The production brings together a who’s who of local talent, including Ken Brown making his directorial debut.

“In 2022 I was offered the opportunity to direct, for the first time, this amazing operetta that has a place in my heart,” said Mr Brown.

“My hope is to bring a childhood sense of wonder to all watching this production of Pirates of Penzance.”

Ken’s mother Judith will be the resident orchestra, filling the role of AM Accompanist having accompanied Mackay Choral Society’s 2009 production of The Pirates of Penzance.

It is also the third show that Jeanette Oberg and Bernie Camilleri-Cheng have produced together, with assistance from Nicole Thomson as Musical Director.

The cast also features local stars including Greg Webb, Berni Camilleri-Cheng, Caitlyn Schurmann and Sue Dalton.

Find Mackay Choral Society on Facebook for more information.

WHAT: Mackay Choral Society presents The Pirates of Penzance

WHEN: Saturday April 15, 2:00pm and 7:30pm and Sunday April 16, 2:00pm

WHERE: Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

TICKETS: www.trybooking.com/CFARA

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John Wick: Chapter 4 is bit like Christmas lunch: every year, you go round to your parent’s place, you sit down, and somehow, every succeeding course is better than the last.

The entrée, some sort of delectable prawn-type thing, is exquisite (The first John Wick). She brings out the next course – astounding – and that’s John Wick Chapter 2, with its sweep of world-building. And you’re thinking: “Surely this can’t get better. I’m positively stuffed.” Somehow, it does get better. John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum is absolutely drenched in this to-die-for sauce. Mwah, magnifique.

Then, mum (Who in this scenario is Chad Stahelski, former kickboxer and director of John Wick: Chapter 4 and all previous John Wick films) asks: “Desert; it’s only wafer thin?” And you’re feeling like Mr Creosote in Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, as if you’re about to explode. There’s no possibility that a) you could fit it in; or b) it could be better than the preceding masterclasses in modern action cinema.

Well, bravo Stahelski. John Wick: Chapter 4 has continued the upping the ante trend set by each of the previous iterations of this franchise. A continuous raising of the bar sees Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncover a path to defeating ‘The High Table’ – the criminal organisation hunting him across the globe. But before he can earn his freedom, he must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances and forces that turn old friends into foes. The additions of Bill Skarsgård and Donnie Yen - as garnishes to a now-seasoned franchise - are absolute deserts in themselves.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is a remarkable series of set pieces from one of modern cinema’s best action directors. It’s arrestingly gorgeous in its cinematography and mind-bogglingly complex in its choreography.

John Wick: Chapter 4 begins screening at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema this month.

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John Wick: Chapter 4 is “arrestingly gorgeous” says our reviewer Declan Durrant

“Hands / Touchin’ hands / Reachin’ out / Touching me…”. Don’t say you didn’t start humming along; everyone knows the words.

Get ready to belt those legendary lyrics out alongside ‘Nearly Neil’, The Ultimate Neil Diamond Legacy show arriving at The Pub in two days of massive performances in mid-April.

Coming direct from Canada to the Airlie Beach Hotel, Bobby Bruce and The Solitary Band will play two shows on Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and 16, from 2pm to 5.30pm at local’s favourite local in a legacy show unlike any other.

The Vancouver-based band have been bearing the name and the heritage of Neil Diamond for almost two decades as The Ultimate Neil Diamond Legacy show, being led by superb singer Bobby Bruce.

His Happy Tunes have astonished and amazed packed houses across America, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Asia – and now he’s touring Down Under, stopping in at Airlie Beach for a double-header of shows.

“Passionate, exhilarating and vocally brilliant,” Bruce and his band are a five-star salute to the music of the Brooklyn-born singer and one of the best-selling musicians of all time.

The power and purity of Bobby’s voice have put him in a legacy league of his own, making his performance much more than a tribute – it’s a revival.

It’s as close to the authentic experience of sitting front row at a Diamond concert as you can get – particularly in the case of the strutting theatrics. Bruce glides through a powerful package of Diamond hits in his completion of the famed-singer’s repertoire: from Cracklin’ Rosie and Kentucky Woman to Cherry Cherry and everyone’s favourite, Sweet Caroline.

Bobby Bruce has continued to “stretch the meaning of tribute band”, bringing an unrivalled flair to his shows which have led him to enjoy the best numbers he’s ever seen in his ‘Down Under’ tours.

Australians have increasingly recognised the talent - Bobby’s mastery of music - and its little wonder he has been nominated two years running for the best international touring artist for the Australian ACE Awards.

Decked out in rhinestone dress trousers and white, beaded fringe shirt, Bruce meets Diamond’s raspy stridency in such favourites as Solitary Man and I Am I Said. His passion and energy connect him with the audience and his infectious warmth sets him in a league of his own – don’t miss him when he arrives at the Airlie Beach Hotel for two free shows.

What: Nearly Neil, The Ultimate Neil Diamond Legacy

When: Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and April 16, from 2pm to 5.30pm

Where:  The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Nearly Neil The Ultimate Neil Diamond Legacy show is coming to the Airlie Beach Hotel on April 15 and 16

The world-class performance is led by a world class performer, Billy Bruce

Head to The Pub for the free show in just over a week’s time

Queensland musical treasures Busby Marou will be the first band ever to perform at Cape Hillsborough in a massive showcase of their new album in a Mackay exclusive event this July.

The band, comprised of Jeremy Marou and Thomas Busby, will headline the signature event of the Queensland Music Trails’ ‘Reef Trail’ and will be joined by local artists in the natural splendour of Cape Hillsborough.

In ‘Between the Tides’ – the Reef Trail’s “signature event” according to Queensland Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch - the duo will play between two tidal movements on the nationally famous beach in a “unique and intimate experience” on July 7 and 8.

“It's going to be a couple of unforgettable nights as the first-ever band to perform there,” Thomas Busby said.

“We can't wait to showcase our new album 'Blood Red' and jam out to some favourites.”

Minister Enoch said the experience begins with local music at an eco-friendly pop-up food and beverage bar in the parklands before attendees head down the beach at dusk, encouraged to bring only themselves and what they can carry before the band play their new album in full.

"The Music Trails align with the priorities of Creative Together, our ten-year roadmap to transform the state through creativity, activating communities with rich arts and cultural experiences,” she said.

Between the Tides is a limited-ticket, all-age event, with tickets on sale at qldmusictrails.com.

Tickets for Between the Tides go on pre-sale from March 31, and patrons can sign up to get information early at qldmusictrails.com. The general sale starts on April 11.

Between the Tides is a Queensland Music Trails event presented by QMF and Mackay Regional Council and supported by Brisbane Airport Corporation, Capricornia Energy Hub and Containers for Change.

Qld Music Trails are supported by the Queensland Government.

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Queensland music royalty Busby Marou have been announced as the first-ever band to play on Cape Hillsborough Beach as part of a massive Queensland Music Trails event

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Orange has been the colour of choice over the past two weeks with schools, businesses and organisations coming together as a community to celebrate Harmony Day.

Harmony Day is the celebration that recognises diversity, bringing together Australians from all backgrounds.

Mackay Regional Council and The Neighbourhood Hub held an event last Tuesday, March 21 to celebrate Mackay’s multicultural community.

Multicultural groups shared their culture by wearing traditional dress and guest speaker Indriani shared her story as an Indonesian migrant.

Meanwhile schools such as Whitsunday Anglican College, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Mackay North State High School all held events to celebrate the diversity within their school communities.

Click here to see the photos

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Mackay Regional Council, The Neighbourhood Hub and Mackay’s multicultural community came together to celebrate Harmony Day. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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Avid motorists are gearing up for the seventh annual Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine which is due to be held at the Coral Sea Marina Community Gardens at the end of May.

This year will be a whole weekend spectacular with events scheduled to entertain and delight visitors from across the state.

These include a themed dinner on Saturday night and a recovery breakfast on the Sunday.

Set to the backdrop of the Coral Sea and amongst the flotilla of vessels in the marina, the event is visually impressive and it is expected that over 200 vehicles will exhibit.

The event is hosted by the Whitsunday Cruisin Car Club, a non-profit organisation which was started in 2012 by a small group of Whitsunday locals.

Since then, they have become one of the largest car clubs in the area, consisting of over 60 individual members and their families that have a passion for everything automotive.

The group take part in many events throughout each year, but this is their largest community gathering.

The main event will take place on Saturday, May 27 and the whole family is invited to come along and marvel at the array of colourful vehicles.

For the first time this year, organisers are introducing a special kid’s show and shine event.

Children are invited to show their ‘Pride and Joy’ – pedal car, go-kart, scooter, electric motor, bike trike or homemade creation.

“The Kids Show and Shine has been introduced to get the local kids involved and outdoors,” said organiser Keri Southee.

“All money raised this year from the entry goes to the QCWA Proserpine

Branch toward the maintenance and upkeep of The Airlie Beach Cottage.”

WHAT: Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine

WHERE: The Gardens, Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Saturday, May 27

TICKETS: $5 from whitsundaytickets.com.au

Over 200 vehicles are expected to exhibit at this years’ Cruisin’ Whitsunday Show and Shine

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In an action-packed week for St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, hundreds of students, parents and siblings jumped on their treadly and rode to school for National Ride to School Day.

Meeting and departing from Pioneer Swim Centre, students rode their elaborately decorated bikes through the Gooseponds to the school where they were met with breakfast provided by Mackay Regional Council.

Information sessions were then held by Corry Cycles and Mackay PCYC before a brand new bike, donated by Corry Cycles, was given away.

“It’s an initiative to put bike riding to school at the forefront of kids minds,” said Corry Cycles owner Evan Corry.

“This school’s got bike racks at the front gate and you always see a few bikes there but it’d be great to see a few more after today.”

Mr Corry informed students of the safety of helmets and bike maintenance while Sargent Dorinda Freeman, Relief Branch Manager at Mackay PCYC, elaborated on road safety.

“We’ll be making students aware of what they need to look out for to get to school and how to navigate streets safely,” Ms Freeman said.

253 students, parents and siblings participated in the ride including Kristen Kachel who has two children at the school.

“It was a good opportunity to have the morning off, be with the kids, get involved with the school community and support a healthy approach to life,” Ms Kachel said.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids to get outside and be active and see how much fun it is to be on a pushy.”

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Sargent Dorinda Freeman of Mackay PCYC and Evan Corry of Corry Cycles led National Ride to School Day information sessions at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

After 60 years in the industry, a local pharmacy icon is moving onto her next chapter after selling her Mount Pleasant based business.

Lynette Dupuy started working in a pharmacy at the age of 15, following in her father’s footsteps, and will finish her tenure this weekend.

Ms Dupuy’s father opened K M Dupuy Chemist in Sydney Street in 1934.

He passed away 19 years later and inspired Ms Dupuy to take up the profession to keep the family business going.

“I was 12 or 13 and then my fate was sealed,” she said.

Travelling to Brisbane to acquire her registration, Ms Dupuy worked in Brisbane and Cairns, all the while owning the family pharmacy.

She and her husband opened a new pharmacy in Mount Pleasant before building the current pharmacy in 1996.

Throughout her 60 years in the industry, Ms Dupuy specialised in a variety of areas including clinical nutrition, medicine compounding and vaccinations.

“All of those sorts of things I enjoy because originally I wanted to do medicine,” she said.

“I enjoy looking after people.

“I’ve had people coming in here the last few days begging me to stay.

“In all those things that I do, people come in here and ask me something and I usually know the answer.

“My brain never stops!”

The industry has changed aplenty over the years and Ms Dupuy has seen it all, striving to stay on top of the evolution of pharmacy.

“When I became a pharmacist – I’ve still got some of my dad’s books – it was the end of writing things in books in pharmacy; we started using a computer and software,” she said.

“It’s been a progression to the state it is now that everything is becoming electronic over the period of about 10 years.”

Ms Dupuy’s career has taken her across the world, with pharmacy conferences leading her and her husband to over 80 countries.

“I’ve made a lot of friends in Australia, Canada, England, everywhere,” she said.

“I enjoyed the company of pharmacists, doctors and physiotherapists.

“I enjoyed interacting with other people outside Mackay and I learnt a lot.”

Travel is one thing that Ms Dupuy hopes to do more of in the future.

“I’m looking forward to having Easter off, being with my family, going to see plays, going to do things, that’s what I’m looking forward to,” she said.

While she looks forward to retirement, she’s considering returning to the workforce in either clinical nutrition or pharmacy, plans to write books about her family history and her career and may even further her study.

“After about three months, I’ll make a decision,” she said.

“I just want some time to myself.”

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This weekend is Lynette Dupuy’s last weekend as a full-time pharmacist. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Parents will soon have the opportunity to engage with a Speech Pathologist at a series of free educational sessions due to be held in a relaxed and social setting at our local libraries.

‘Speechie Talks’ is open to parents and carers of children aged zero to five years and will be led by Whitsunday Community Health’s speech pathologist Kelly Rodgers who will host weekly sessions for eight weeks.

Families will benefit from information on how to support early childhood communication development and topics will include early language, speech sounds, social communication and early literacy.

“We conducted a survey in 2022 seeking feedback on speech pathology programs for children aged zero to five years in the Whitsunday region,” Kelly said.

“More than 80 per cent of respondents indicated that they would like to see the Community Health service offer group education sessions on specific topics to assist parents with their child’s communication.”

Each session will start with a 20-minute presentation on the weekly topic followed by a Q&A session about anything speech pathology related.

Kelly said she is excited and looking forward to presenting Speechie Talks to Whitsunday region families.

“The library setting allows families to drop in with their children and connect with a speech pathologist to ask questions without having to go through a formal referral process,” she explained.

“We can also guide parents and carers on support pathways if parents are concerned about their child’s development.

“As speech pathologists, we want to share our knowledge with families on how to build and support their child’s communication to ensure they receive the best possible start.”

WHAT: Speechie Talks program

WHERE: Cannonvale and Proserpine Libraries

WHEN: Weekly from Monday, April 17 (alternating between the two libraries)

TIME: 9.30am to 10.30am

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Schools, businesses and organisations across the region came together last week to celebrate Harmony Day.

Grade 6 students at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School celebrated Harmony Day by hosting a play, scavenger hunt, chalk art and eat street markets, celebrating the 46 different cultures represented in the school.

“We’ve been learning about refugees and asylum seekers and their cultural backgrounds and the culture they bring into Australia that creates Australia’s cultural diversity,” said St Joseph’s School Captain Farrah Hamilton.

“It’s important to celebrate cultural diversity and to thank everyone for coming into Australia and making it the amazing place that it is,” added fellow School Captain Mila Hinschen.

Mackay North State High School celebrated similarly with chalk art, dumplings and plenty of orange.

Meanwhile, Mackay Regional Council teamed up with the Neighbourhood Hub to celebrate Mackay’s multicultural community.

Multicultural groups shared their culture by wearing traditional dress and sharing information and guest speaker Indriani shared her story as an Indonesian migrant.

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St Joseph's Catholic Primary School celebrated Harmony Day last week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Mackay North State High School put their chalk art skills to the test. Photos supplied

Mackay Regional Council and Neighbourhood Hub held a Harmony Day event. Photos supplied

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